Babylon, the Destruction
Isaiah 14:12
How you have fallen from heaven, Howl you, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. 13: You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of MOED, in the far reaches of the north.
In the analysis of Isaiah 14, a critical examination reveals the ambition of the 'spirit of Babylon' to ascend above the 'MOED,' a term of significant import in the Hebrew Bible.
This term, frequently encountered in Leviticus 23, is employed to denote the divinely appointed 'feasts' or 'appointed times.' These 'MOEDs' are not mere cultural or historical observances but hold profound theological significance, representing key moments of divine-human interaction as ordained by God.
The attempt by the Babylonian spirit to exalt itself above these sacred appointments underscores a thematic motif in Isaiah: the hubris of earthly powers in contrast to the sovereignty of the divine order. This analysis not only sheds light on the specific passage in Isaiah but also contributes to a deeper understanding of the holistic narrative and theological themes within the Hebrew Scriptures.
Hamas attacked Israel on Sukkot which was a MOED. The Arab coalition jointly launched a surprise attack against Israel on the Biblical holy day of Yom Kippur which was a MOED. These are the works of the same spirit as the destructed one, Babylon.
If one identifies as a Christian yet remains unaware of this particular aspect of scriptural interpretation, the present moment offers a valuable opportunity for gaining a more precise and nuanced understanding. This process of deepening one's knowledge can significantly enhance the richness and depth of one's faith journey.
Avoid Miss Understanding of Biblical Context
"I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain." Galatians 4:11
Step-by-Step Biblical Mastery:
A Journey to Correct Understanding of the Scriptures
This investigation corrects misinterpretations of the Bible that allow the 'Spirit of Babylon', a symbol of the Antichrist, to infiltrate one's cognitive processes. It is essential to explore methodologies to effectively eliminate such harmful elements. This discourse examines biblical strategies for counteracting and overcoming these negative influences on human understanding of the Bible.
Step 1: Philippians Chapter 3 & Answers
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you (#1) again, and it is a safeguard for you (#2).
#1 τὰ αὐτὰ γράφειν ὑμῖν (ta auta graphein humin) the / same-things / to-write / to-you
Galatians 1: 6 I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “gospel”; 7 and there isn’t another “gospel.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Gospel of Christ.
Hebrew 6 do not lay a new foundation / Keep the faith on God,
Hebrew 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Bible Analysis Commentary: (Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.) In the realm of New Testament exegesis, one foundational truth stands paramount. It is the unanimous conviction among the apostles that the Hebrew Old Testament represents not only the Word of God but also the sword of the Holy Spirit. A critical observation is that the apostolic teachings never diverged from the tenets of the Hebrew scriptures. Rather, a profound understanding emerges within the teachings of Christ Jesus: the human interpretation and their commentaries of the Divine missives, as recorded in the scriptures, are not always aligned with their true intent.
Particularly noteworthy in this discourse is Paul's emphatic declaration in Galatians 1:9. He starkly admonishes that anyone who proclaims a gospel divergent from the Word of God shall be subjected to anathema. This pronouncement underscores the inviolable sanctity of the apostolic teachings, which are firmly rooted in and consistent with the Hebrew Scriptures. It further amplifies the assertion that the apostolic message, in its essence, remains in unwavering conformity with the Old Testament, thereby reinforcing the continuum and integrity of the Biblical narrative.
#2 ὑμῖν δὲ ἀσφαλές (hymin de asphales) for-you / de / safe /
Hebrew 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
Leviticus 25:18 You are to keep My statutes and carefully observe My judgments, so that you may dwell securely in the land.
Genesis 26:5 because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”
Bible Analysis Commentary: The essence of the epistles penned by Apostle Paul in the New Testament is straightforward yet profound. These letters, which were eventually canonized as part of the New Testament, represent a critical component of Christian scripture. They signify the culmination of the Biblical canon, which encompasses both the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament, unified through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This comprehensive scripture elucidates the concept of divine salvation. Discussing the salvific work of Christ Jesus within the framework of these sacred texts aligns seamlessly with the Biblical truth, illustrating a harmonious and intrinsic connection between the Word of God and the doctrine of salvation.
2 Watch out for those dogs (#1), those workers of evil (#2), those mutilators of the flesh! (#3)
#1 Βλέπετε (Blepete) τοὺς (tous) κύνας (kynas) : See the dogs
Matthew 7:6, Luke 16:21, 2 Peter 2:22, Revelation 22:15 / Isaiah 56:11 Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain:
Bible Analysis Commentary: "In the exegesis of Isaiah 56:11, the term 'the dogs, shepherds whom they do not know understanding' is metaphorically interpreted as a shepherd lacking biblical knowledge and or who do not follow the Bible. This interpretation underscores the criticality of spiritual insight and understanding in religious leadership. Further, in the context of Hebrew scriptural analysis, the phrase 'He knew her' typically denotes marital relations, illustrating the depth of biblical language in conveying intimate human relationships.
The sacrifice and dedication of the disciples were pivotal in the formation of the New Testament, underscoring their integral role in the early Christian narrative. In contemporary times, the abundance of rich biblical content necessitates a specific criterion for identifying a true shepherd within the Christian faith. This criterion is not merely intellectual knowledge or theological training. Instead, it is the profound internalization of the Scriptures. A good shepherd, in this context, is metaphorically described as one who has become a 'bride' to the Holy Bible, with its teachings and truths deeply inscribed in the heart. This metaphorical union signifies a deep, personal, and transformative engagement with the biblical text, reflecting a commitment that goes beyond superficial understanding."
#2 βλέπετε τοὺς κακοὺς ἐργάτας, : See the evil workers
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the Torah (Law) of the LORD, and in His Torah (law) he meditates day and night.
Malachi 4:3 Then you will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing,” says the LORD of Hosts. 4 “Remember the Torah (law) of My servant Moses, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him for all Israel at Horeb.
Matthew 13:41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth.
Bible Analysis Commentary: In the realm of Biblical translation, certain Hebrew terms in the Old Testament have presented challenges in their English rendition. A prime example is found in Psalm 1:1, where the Hebrew word often translated as 'mocker' encompasses a broader range of meanings, including 'ambassador,' 'interpreter,' 'ridiculer,' and 'arrogant person.' This linguistic complexity underscores the depth and multifaceted nature of the Hebrew language, which can lead to oversimplifications in translation.
Apostle Paul's exhortations, particularly regarding the avoidance of evil acts, are often grounded in what can be termed 'common sense' morality. However, his teachings are deeply rooted in the Torah and its conception of righteousness. For Paul, the primary benchmark for discerning evil is not merely societal standards but the mandates of the Torah and the broader understanding of God's will.
Paul’s epistles provide thorough explanations on various aspects of the law, including seasons, circumcision, and purification rites. His portrayal of the Word of God as the 'sword of the Holy Spirit' is indicative of his commitment to a correct interpretation and adherence to the Biblical commandments, particularly those of the Torah. This emphasis on obedience to the Word of God is a fundamental aspect of Paul's theology and underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments in the Christian tradition.
In light of this, understanding Paul’s teachings requires a nuanced appreciation of his Jewish heritage and his role as an interpreter of the Torah in the context of early Christian thought. His approach to the Torah and its commandments is not one of mere legal adherence but is imbued with a deeper spiritual understanding, aligning with his view of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God."
#3 βλέπετε τὴν κατατομήν. : See the cutting
Luke 2:21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Acts 15:1 Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can’t be saved.”
Acts 16: 1 He came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed; but his father was a Greek. 2 The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium gave a good testimony about him. 3 Paul wanted to have him go out with him, and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered the decrees to them to keep which had been ordained by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem. 5 So the assemblies were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Acts 21: 20 They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.
21 They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs.
22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.
23 Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 Take them, and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, that they may shave their heads. Then all will know that there is no truth in the things that they have been informed about you, but that you yourself also walk keeping the law. 25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.
Act 22:12 One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,
Bible Analysis Commentary: The New Testament presents a multifaceted discourse on the practice of circumcision, with key insights found in the Acts of the Apostles, Romans, and Galatians. Focusing initially on the Acts, we observe a nuanced approach by Apostle Paul towards this ritual. In a notable instance, Paul had Timothy circumcised; Timothy was of mixed heritage, with a Greek father and a Jewish believer as a mother. Conversely, in the case of Titus, whose adoptive parents were Elaine, Paul refrained from insisting on circumcision.
This dichotomy in Paul's actions is not arbitrary but is deeply rooted in his theological understanding of circumcision. Paul's primary concern, as evident in his communications, particularly to the Philippians, is the practice of illegal circumcision. His admonitions are directed not against the traditional, legal aspect of circumcision as understood within the Jewish faith, but against a distortion or misapplication of this practice. Therefore, in interpreting Paul's stance on circumcision, it is crucial to differentiate between the legal, traditional practice and the 'illegal' forms that he critiques. This distinction is vital in understanding the early Christian perspective on Jewish customs and their significance in the new covenant context.
3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God (#1), who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh (#2)
#1 ἡμεῖς γάρ ἐσμεν ἡ περιτομή, οἱ Πνεύματι Θεοῦ λατρεύοντες. : We, for, are, the, circumcision, those, in-Spirit, of-God, worshiping
Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.
Deuteronomy 30:6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.
Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and remove the foreskins of your hearts, O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem. Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it, because of your evil deeds.”
Jeremiah 9: 25“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised yet uncircumcised: 26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all the inhabitants of the desert who clip the hair of their temples. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”
Ezekiel 44: 6 You shall tell the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: you house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations, 7 in that you have brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to profane it, even my house, when you offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant, to add to all your abominations.
Leviticus 26: 33 I will scatter you among the nations, and I will draw out the sword after you. Your land will be a desolation, and your cities shall be a waste. 34 Then the land will enjoy its Sabbaths as long as it lies desolate and you are in your enemies’ land. Even then the land will rest and enjoy its Sabbaths. 35 As long as it lies desolate it shall have rest, even the rest which it didn’t have in your Sabbaths, when you lived on it. 36 “‘As for those of you who are left, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies. The sound of a driven leaf will put them to flight; and they shall flee, as one flees from the sword. They will fall when no one pursues. 37 They will stumble over one another, as it were before the sword, when no one pursues. You will have no power to stand before your enemies. 38 You will perish among the nations. The land of your enemies will eat you up. 39 Those of you who are left will pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers they shall pine away with them. 40 “‘If they confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, in their trespass which they trespassed against me, and also that, because they walked contrary to me, 41 I also walked contrary to them, and brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised heart is humbled, and they then accept the punishment of their iniquity; 42 then I will remember my covenant with Jacob; and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham; and I will remember the land. 43 The land also will be left by them, and will enjoy its Sabbaths while it lies desolate without them: and they will accept the punishment of their iniquity; because, even because they rejected my ordinances, and their soul abhorred my statutes. 44 Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God; 45 but I will for their sake remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am the LORD.’” 46 These are the statutes, ordinances and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in Mount Sinai by Moses.
Bible Analysis Commentary: The concept of 'true circumcision' as expounded by Apostle Paul is not an innovation within Christian doctrine, but rather a profound continuation of the teachings embedded in the Torah and the core principles of the Hebrew Old Testament. This notion transcends the physical act, symbolizing the spiritual division between soul and spirit effected through the discerning power of the Holy Spirit, metaphorically represented as a sword. In this light, Paul's interpretation aligns with the deeper, spiritual ethos of Judaic law, emphasizing an inner transformation over mere ritualistic compliance.
Within the New Testament, the Greek term 'Latreuo' is utilized twenty-one times, each instance carrying a connotation steeped in religious significance. This term primarily denotes the act of worship or service, often in the context of divinity. Notably, in passages such as Romans 1:25 and Acts 7:42, 'Latreuo' is employed to describe the worship of unfamiliar or false gods, highlighting a theme of misguided devotion or idolatry. This consistent use throughout the New Testament underscores the term's importance in understanding early Christian perspectives on worship and religious fidelity.
#2 καὶ καυχώμενοι ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ καὶ οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθότες, : and, glorying, in, Christ, Jesus, and, not, in, flesh, having put confidence,
Joshua 5: 1 When all the kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, who were by the sea, heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we had crossed over, their heart melted, and there was no more spirit in them, because of the children of Israel. 2 At that time, the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives, and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time.” 3 Joshua made himself flint knives, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. 4 This is the reason Joshua circumcised them: all the people who came out of Egypt, who were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness along the way, after they came out of Egypt. 5 For all the people who came out were circumcised; but all the people who were born in the wilderness along the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised. 6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, even the men of war who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they didn’t listen to the LORD’s voice. The LORD swore to them that he wouldn’t let them see the land which the LORD swore to their fathers that he would give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 Their children, whom he raised up in their place, were circumcised by Joshua; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them on the way. 8 When they were done circumcising the whole nation, they stayed in their places in the camp until they were healed. 9 the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt off of you.” Therefore the name of that place was called Gilgal,① to this day.
▷ ①“Gilgal” sounds like the Hebrew for “roll.”
10 The children of Israel encamped in Gilgal. They kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at evening (ereb / singluar) in the plains of Jericho. 11 They ate unleavened bread and parched grain of the produce of the land on the next day after the Passover, in the same day. 12 The manna ceased on the next day, after they had eaten of the produce of the land. The children of Israel didn’t have manna any more; but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. 13 When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our enemies?” 14 He said, “No; but I have come now as commander of the LORD’s army.” Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and worshiped, and asked him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15 The prince of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take your shoes off of your feet; for the place on which you stand is holy.” Joshua did so.
Hebrew 4: 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day. 9 There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. 14 Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession. 15 For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.
Bible Analysis Commentary: In synthesizing the narratives of Joshua Chapter 5 and Hebrews Chapter 4 from the New Testament, a profound theological insight emerges: the shift from reliance on the flesh to an exclusive trust in Jesus. The act of circumcision under Joshua's directive represented a physical manifestation of the covenant, yet it was not the ultimate fulfillment of the concept. This physical act symbolized a preliminary stage, indicating that the more profound spiritual process - the circumcision of the heart - was yet to be fully realized.
This spiritual circumcision, which represents the true essence of the covenant, finds its most direct and lucid expression in the teachings of Jesus, as exemplified in Matthew 5:17. Here, Jesus articulates that His mission is not to abolish the Torah or the teachings of the prophets. Instead, He asserts that His purpose is to bring them to completion. This statement is pivotal in understanding the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. It highlights that the teachings of Jesus do not negate the earlier scriptural tenets but rather bring them to a fuller, more spiritually evolved understanding, particularly in terms of internal transformation and moral integrity, as opposed to mere external compliance.
It is indeed an irony that many Christians, in their engagement with Pauline epistles, often overlook the profound biblical depth these letters contain, opting instead for rapid perusal and superficial interpretation. Such an approach seems to inadvertently trivialize the intricate discussions Paul presents, particularly regarding the concepts of external and internal circumcision.
This tendency towards superficiality is also evident in various Christian theological discourses concerning the relationship between the 'flawed law' and the 'new covenant' as delineated in Hebrews Chapters 5 through 8. A critical question arises: Where does the notion of 'flaw' actually reside? Is it attributed to the Torah or to God, the giver of the Law? In truth, the concept of 'blemish' lies within humanity – the 'sinners.'
The covenant, though perfect in its divine origin and intent, faces a fundamental challenge in its fulfillment due to the inherent imperfection of human beings. Human incapacity to reciprocate God’s perfect goodness necessitates a messianic intervention. Hence, the Messiah, as both the fulfiller and completer of the Torah, becomes indispensable. This theological premise is elegantly symbolized in the transition from 'Yeshuah' (salvation) to 'Yeshua' (Jesus) in the Hebrew Old Testament, signifying that true salvation is accessible to all only through the incarnation of the Messiah.
Therefore, a thorough and nuanced examination of these themes is essential for an in-depth understanding of Christian theology. The upcoming detailed commentary on Hebrews will delve into the nuances of how the epistle reinterprets the Old Testament law in the context of the new covenant brought forth by Christ. This analysis is vital for comprehending the paradigm shift from adherence to a superficial reading of Mosaic Law to fulfillment and embracing the grace and internal transformation central to the New Covenant. It aims to unravel the theological intricacies and implications of this transition, enhancing our understanding of the continuities and accomplishments between the Old and New Testaments.
4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, (#1) persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
#1 διώκων τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ~ ἐν νόμῳ γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος : persecuting, the, church / in, law, having become, faultess
Acts 7:58 They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
Acts 8:3 But Saul ravaged the ekklesia (called-out), entering into every house, and dragged both men and women off to prison.
Numbers 35:17 If he struck him with a stone in the hand, by which a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall surely be put to death. 33 “‘So you shall not pollute the land in which you are; for blood pollutes the land. No atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed in it, but by the blood of him who shed it. 34 You shall not defile the land which you inhabit, in the middle of which I dwell; for I, Yahweh, dwell in the middle of the children of Israel.’”
John 7:19 Didn’t Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill me?”
Bible Analysis Commentary:
In Acts 7:58-59, the stoning of Stephen, with Saul (later Paul) as a consenting witness, juxtaposed with the directives in Numbers 35:17, 33-34, presents a stark contrast. The Mosaic Law, as cited in Numbers, explicitly condemns murder and highlights the sanctity of life and land. Saul's participation in Stephen's stoning and his subsequent actions described in Acts 8:3, where he actively persecutes the early Christian community, demonstrate a blatant transgression of these commandments.
This scenario is further illuminated by Jesus' words in John 7:19, where He points out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who, despite having the Law of Moses, fail to live by its principles. This critique can be extended to Saul’s actions prior to his conversion. His rigorous adherence to the letter of the Law, while simultaneously engaging in actions contrary to its spirit, epitomizes the very contradiction Jesus highlights.
Therefore, when Paul later reflects on his past in saying he was 'found blameless' in the law, this statement, especially in the light of Jesus' teachings, reveals a profound irony. It indicates a legalistic righteousness, one that is externally compliant but internally deficient. Paul’s own account, viewed in conjunction with Jesus' critique and the events in Acts, suggests that his pre-conversion adherence to the Law was fundamentally flawed.
This analysis underscores a pivotal aspect of Christian theology: the recognition, during Jesus' time and exemplified by Saul's (Paul's) actions, of a widespread inability to fulfill the Mosaic Law in both its literal commandments and spiritual essence. This historical and theological context illuminates Paul's subsequent teachings, which emphasize the inherent human limitations in upholding the sanctity of the Law and the indispensable need for divine grace, accessible through faith in Christ. This doctrinal shift from a legalistic adherence to the Law to an appreciation of Christ’s redemptive role marks a significant transformation in Paul’s spiritual journey. It reflects a deeper understanding of the Law’s purpose – not as an end in itself, but as a means to reveal human fallibility and the consequent necessity for salvation through Christ’s sacrificial act.
7 But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having (#1) my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, a the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
#1 μὴ ἔχων ἐμὴν δικαιοσύνην τὴν ἐκ νόμου : not, having, my own, righteousness, which, of, law
Genesis 26: 4 I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky, and will give all these lands to your offspring. In your offspring will all the nations of the earth be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my requirements, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”
Genesis 49:18 I have waited for your Yeshuah (salvation), Oh! LORD.
Deuteronomy 9: 5 Not for your righteousness, or for the uprightness of your heart, do you go in to possess their land; but for the wickedness of these nations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you, and that he may establish the word which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 6 Know therefore, that the LORD your God doesn’t give you this good land to possess for your righteousness; for you are a stiff-necked people. 7 Remember, and don’t forget, how you provoked the LORD your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day that you left the land of Egypt, until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the LORD.
Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked. You have grown fat. You have grown thick. You have become sleek. Then he abandoned God who made him, and rejected the Rock of his Yeshuah (salvation).
Matthew 5: 17 “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke② shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. 19 Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 7:23 Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work lawlessness.’
John 8: 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it, and was glad.” 57 The Jews therefore said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM. 59 Therefore they took up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden, and went out of the temple, having gone through the middle of them, and so passed by.
Bible Analysis Commentary: The scriptural excerpts ranging from Genesis to the New Testament highlight a profound theological thread: the anticipation and fulfillment of salvation ('Yeshuah') through faith, as seen in the lives of patriarchs and expounded by Jesus. Genesis 26:4 and 49:18, along with Deuteronomy 9:5-7 and 32:15, illustrate the foundational promises made to Abraham and the subsequent experiences of his descendants, emphasizing obedience to God's commands and the consequences of deviating from them. These passages underscore the theme of a covenantal relationship with God, contingent upon obedience and faith.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:17-19 and 7:23, and His declaration in John 8:56-59, reinforce this continuity. Jesus affirms the enduring validity of the Law and the Prophets, positioning His mission not as a repudiation but as a fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures. This fulfillment, however, is not merely a literal adherence to the Law but a deeper, transformative obedience born of faith. Jesus’ assertion of His preexistence and connection with Abraham signifies a profound spiritual truth recognized by the patriarchs even before the formal establishment of the Law.
This theological perspective challenges the dichotomy often perceived between the Old and New Testaments. The belief in Jesus, as outlined in Christian theology, is not merely an acknowledgment of His teachings but also a belief in His testimony about the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The claim that faith in Jesus while disregarding His testimony contributes to the separation of the Greek New Testament from the Hebrew Old Testament is a critical observation. It suggests a misinterpretation or incomplete understanding of the integral relationship between these Testaments.
Therefore, the essence of faith, as depicted in these passages, involves a commitment to live in accordance with God's Law, as embodied in Jesus ('Yeshua'). This lifestyle does not advocate legalistic adherence but calls for a harmonious blend of law and grace, leading to true spiritual freedom and fulfillment. It’s a faith that recognizes the complete narrative of salvation, from the promises made to the patriarchs to their culmination in Christ, thereby acknowledging and living out the full scope of biblical revelation.
10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Pressing on toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.
15 All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well. 16 Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained.
Citizenship in Heaven
17 Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you. 18 For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.